7:30 p.m. at Chicago • FSN, 100.3-FM
Blackhawks come out strong
Preview: As the Wild (0-1-1) seeks its first victory of the season, Chicago (3-0-1) will try to remain undefeated in regulation. The Blackhawks are the NHL's highest-scoring team, with 21 goals in four games, and their goal differential (plus-14) is the best in the league. The Wild has earned points in nine of its past 11 games against the Blackhawks and is 4-1-0 in its past five in Chicago.
Players to watch: Chicago F Brandon Saad is tied for second in the NHL in points (seven) and goals (five). He returned to the Blackhawks in a trade last summer after back-to-back 53-point seasons in Columbus, adding another prolific scorer to an already potent lineup. Wild G Devan Dubnyk is one victory away from reaching 100 with the Wild; he is 10-7 with a goals-against average of 3.06 and save percentage of .909 against the Blackhawks.
Numbers: Blackhawks F Jonathan Toews, who has two goals and three assists in four games this season, has 37 points in 36 career games against the Wild. … Wild F Mikko Koivu has won 30 of 49 faceoffs this season and leads the team with 33 points in 47 career games against the Blackhawks.
Injuries: Wild F Mikael Granlund (groin) and F Zach Parise (undisclosed) are out. Blackhawks F Nick Schmaltz (upper body) is day-to-day.
Rachel Blount
